Shawnee Mission North captured its' school's first-ever
state championship in girls' cross country when the squad out-dueled pre-meet
favorite Blue Valley North and Olathe North for the 6A crown on Saturday at Rim
Rock Farm in Lawrence.
Katie Kasunic placed fifth in 18:59.94, ahead of Blue Valley
North's top two runners and a key finish as Shawnee Mission North scored 76
points -- just three ahead of Blue Valley North. Olathe North also joined the
fun, as the squad placed third with 84 points.
The last time Shawnee Mission North was in this close of a
team battle at the state, the squad finished third -- one point out of first
place. This time, the tables were turned and Shawnee Mission North won the
close battles it needed to win the big gold trophy.
Following Kasunic, Shawnee Mission North's top five included
senior Cassie Raines (11th, 19:16.68), sophomore Keagen Stiers (19th,
19:47.60), junior Caroline Colburn (26th, 20:04.00), and senior Molly Ryan
(28th, 20:1...